I am so sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. College is taking all of my time, it seems. But the point is that I have finished it and it is now available for your viewing pleasure. Quick shoutouts to Meg-Gman, str81994, sleepyh0llow, and HorrorFan13. Enjoy, lovelies!
Chapter 32
"Christine knows!"
I had ran into my room to find the mirror wide open. I followed the pathway to Erik's lair and burst into it, yelling that statement. Erik just looked at me blankly. "What was that? I couldn't quite understand you."
I explained to him in as much detail as I could (because, let's face it, there weren't many details to divulge) how Christine thought that I had a 'suitor'.
Don't get me wrong, I have always wanted a relationship like that. The thought of me having a proper courtship just made me all warm inside. The problem was that I didn't know if Erik thought we were together. I didn't even know what we were. Sure, we loved each other, but we never officially started datin- oh, excuse me, courting.
I finished explaining, all the while watching Erik's face. He certainly surprised me. Instead of being mad like I thought he was gonna be, he had a big smile on his face.
I was confused. "Why are you smiling like that? I thought you would be like the Hulk."
"Who?"
"A guy who turns into a big green rage monster whenever he gets angry who is also a superhero."
He shook his head in confusion. "I don't understand why he would turn green, but no, I'm not angry. I did realize something, though."
"What would that be?"
"You mentioned Christine and I didn't feel anything. I do believe, Mademoiselle, you have taken her place."
I froze. Did he really say what I think he just said..? "Would you care to repeat that, please?"
He started walking towards me. "I said...you...have taken...her place..." he said, taking a step in between each word until he was right in front of me.
I gulped. "Okay, was just...making...sure..." I trailed off as he leaned down to kiss me.
It never happened though, 'cuz guess who decided to come at one of the most inopportune times.
That's right...Nadir.
Nadir was just like Erik had described him all those weeks before: clumsy, ditzy, and always showing up at the most inopportune moments.
Exhibit A: right now.
"Oh, am I interrupting something?" he asked. He had that accent, but it sounded differently than I thought it would. It sounded...higher.
"No, Nadir, not at all." Erik said, but not meaning it by any means.
"Oh, alright then. In that case, I'll just make myself comfortable." Nadir stated, making his way over to the couch and laying down on it.
"When am I going to learn not to use sarcasm around him?" Erik mumbled to himself, making me giggle. I told him that I was going to introduce myself, but he stopped me. "Trust me, Mandy, if you introduce yourself to him, he will never go away."
Well alrighty then...I thought sarcastically. "I'll just tell him my name, then I'll go away."
Erik looked at me with pleading eyes. "No, please don't leave me alone with him."
"He obviously came here for a reason. I'll leave that business to you two. I have somewhere I need to go anyways."
Before Erik come reply, I walked over the the occupied couch. "I just wanted to introduce myself before I left. I'm Mandy."
He lowered his head in a bow. "I am Nadir Khan, but you may call me Daroga."
"And you may leave." Erik stated.
Nadir looked like he was about to cry. Erik, why are you so mean to me? Do you have any idea what I go through day and night because of you?"
It took all I had to not laugh. "Erik, apologize to the nice Daroga." He snorted as I turned to the sniffling man. "I'm sorry to rush off like this, but I have somewhere to be. If you'll be here in about n hour or so, I'll bring you a treat. How does that sound?"
The mention of a treat raised Nadir's spirits as he nodded like an excited child. "I would like that very much. Thank you, Mademoiselle Wendy."
"It's Mandy, and you're welcome. Don't have too much fun without me!" I called as I took off down the pathway that led outside. Ironically, it was the one behind the mirror that Erik busted in the movie.
I went to the curb out of the alleyway and hailed a carriage. "Where to, mademoiselle?" the driver asked me.
"The Notre Dame cathedral, please."
I entered the carriage and relaxed. I felt the shakiness of the carriage, signalling that we were moving. I had about 10 minutes before we got there, according to the driver. So 10 minutes was spent thinking about everything and nothing. Before I knew it, I was there.
I paid the driver his fare and he went off. I stood before the cathedral in complete awe. I had seen pictures of it, but they were nothing compared to the real thing. I went inside and walked around. It kind of reminded me of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, although I can't really say that that movie wasn't a factor in my decision to visit Notre Dame. The lighting and setting was so similar to a certain song in the movie. I couldn't help but sing it...
"I don't know if You can hear me,
Or if You're even there,
I don't know if You would listen,
To a gypsie's prayer,
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast,
I shouldn't speak to you,
Still I see Your face and wonder,
Were You once an outcast too...
God help the outcasts,
Hungry from birth,
Show them the mercy,
They don't find on earth,
God help my people,
We look to You still,
God help the outcasts,
Or nobody will..."
I don't know where I came up with this idea, but I could see Raoul sing, "I ask for wealth..."
Then Christine came in with, "I ask for fame..."
Next was Meg, singing, "I ask for glory to shine on my name..."
All of the sudden, Erik was singing, "I ask for love I can posses..."
All of them in unison sang, "I ask for God and His angels to bless me..."
I have got to stop combining musicals...I thought to myself as I continued on.
"I ask for nothing,
I can get by,
But I know so many,
Less lucky than I,
Please help my people,
The poor and downtrod,
I thought we all were,
The children of God,
God help the outcasts,
Children of God..."
I do not own this song, even though it longs for me to. I know, sweetie, I know. It won't be long...my precious...